STATEMENT : GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 59TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT

STATEMENT BY

MS. NUR AZURA ABD KARIM

COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UN

AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE

59^TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Madam Chair, 

At the outset, it is my honour to join other distinguished delegates to congratulate you on your election as the Chair of the current session of the Commission.

2. Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to the ICPD Programme of Action and to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As a rapidly developing nation, Malaysia is navigating a complex demographic transition shaped by declining fertility, increased longevity, urbanisation and internal migration. These trends carry significant implications for labour markets, social protection systems and intergenerational solidarity. Malaysia therefore recognises that timely, technology-driven, and evidence-based policy responses are essential to ensure that demographic change supports, rather than constrains, sustainable development.

3. Malaysia is committed to strengthening its national population data ecosystems by integrating census, survey, and administrative data with robust geospatial information to support evidence-based policymaking. The Department of Statistics Malaysia has progressively incorporated geocoding in the 2020 Census and precise location-based data for the 2026 Economic Census, aligning with the Global Statistical Geospatial Framework. To further advance these efforts, Malaysia is currently developing a digital-first, multi-mode combined census model for the upcoming 2030 Census, leveraging the experience of the Central Database Hub and collaborations with the National Registration Department and Ministry of Health to accelerate the integration of administrative data with geo-AI and artificial intelligence. At the same time, we are modernising data dissemination through integrated national portals and interactive dashboards to promote transparency, quality and public trust.

Madam Chair,

5. Research remains central to our population and development agenda. Malaysia undertakes regular demographic, socio-economic and behavioural studies to inform policies and programmes. Close collaboration with universities and research institutions strengthens methodological rigour and policy relevance. Surveys such as the Malaysia Population and Family Survey, the National Health and Morbidity Survey, and the Malaysia Ageing and Retirement Survey provide critical insights into fertility trends, health outcomes and population ageing. Complementing these efforts, the Malaysia Population Research Hub (MPRH) was established to consolidate demographic research, survey findings and policy-relevant publications to support evidence-based planning.

6. Malaysia is equally committed to promoting health and well-being across the life course. Guided by our Health White Paper, we are transitioning toward a proactive and preventive health system. Digitalisation of primary healthcare has been accelerated through cloud-based systems and the Health Information Exchange platform, enabling Electronic Lifetime Health Records that ensure continuity of care from infancy to old age. These innovations also strengthen monitoring of maternal health and early childhood development. Investments in gerontechnology and artificial intelligence further support healthy ageing and independent living for older persons.

7. At the same time, Malaysia recognises young people as key drivers of sustainable development. We continue to empower youth through digital literacy and health education initiatives. Programmes such as KafeTEEN have reached millions of young people on sexual and reproductive health awareness, complemented by digital platforms that provide confidential, evidence-based information. New initiatives, including the Youth Camp@Caring Peer Programme, aim to strengthen youth resilience and address social challenges through community-based engagement.

8. Malaysia is also proactively addressing population ageing through integrated, life-cycle-based frameworks. The National Ageing Blueprint 2025–2045 guides our transition towards an aged nation, supported by policies that promote active ageing, financial security and a sustainable care economy. These efforts are reinforced by the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and the National KASIH Family Policy, which emphasise the central role of the family and intergenerational solidarity in social protection systems.

9. As we advance digital transformation, Malaysia places strong emphasis on ethical governance. Robust legal frameworks, including the Cyber Security Act 2024 and the enhanced Personal Data Protection Act, underpin our efforts to ensure that data and technological innovation remain secure, transparent and aligned with public trust.

10. In conclusion, Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the ICPD Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda. By harnessing the synergies between population data, digital innovation, and rigorous research, we aim to ensure that technological progress serves as a catalyst for human well-being.  We will continue to pursue integrated, inclusive and evidence-based policies to build a more equitable society where no one is left behind. 

Thank you.